The Knox Gear 48 Quart is quite nice to use, with its wheels, built-in cord storage, and energy efficiency. It's less expensive compared to similar products, but it very much still requires ice to work well. If you're willing to keep using ice but want an extra boost for your efforts, the Knox can lend a helping hand.
Knox Gear 48 Quart Review
Handy to use, but it doesn’t eliminate your dependency on ice.
Price: $150 List | $129.00 at Amazon
Pros: Easy to use, has wheels, cool cord storage, energy efficient, relatively inexpensive
Cons: Short cords, doesn’t reach very cold/hot temperatures, still need to use ice
Manufacturer: Knox Gear
Cons: Short cords, doesn’t reach very cold/hot temperatures, still need to use ice
Manufacturer: Knox Gear
By Maggie Brandenburg ⋅ Senior Review Editor ⋅ Mar 14, 2019
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Our Verdict
Compare to Similar Products
 This Product
Knox Gear 48 Quart | |||||
| Awards |  |  |  | ||
| Price | $129.00 at Amazon | $965.14 at Amazon | $999.97 at Amazon | $375.43 at Amazon | $379.99 at Amazon |
Overall Score  |
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| Star Rating | |||||
| Pros | Easy to use, has wheels, cool cord storage, energy efficient, relatively inexpensive | Excellent temperature control, energy efficient, large capacity, extremely sturdy, full of useful features | Energy efficient, good features, super durable, long DC cord | Excellent low energy mode, long cord, good temperature range and control, useful baskets, less expensive | Very energy efficient, relatively inexpensive, impressive minimum temperature, surprisingly lightweight, long cord |
| Cons | Short cords, doesn’t reach very cold/hot temperatures, still need to use ice | Expensive, relatively short cords, no energy-saving mode | Unimpressive minimum temperature, heavy for its size, relatively loud | Heavy, small capacity, control panel on back | Not durable, takes a long time to cool, insulation not great, fairly loud |
| Bottom Line | Handy to use, but it doesn’t eliminate your dependency on ice. | Precision performance and everything you want in a cooler made to last through years of adventures. | Energy efficient and tank-like, though not the coldest or the quietest. | Performance where it matters for a lower cost. | An impressive performer for a lot less than the competition. |
| Rating Categories | Knox Gear 48 Quart | Dometic CFX 50W | Engel Platinum MT35 | Whynter FM-45G | Costway 54 |
| Temperature Control (25%) | |||||
| Insulation (25%) | |||||
| Energy Consumption (20%) | |||||
| Ease Of Use (15%) | |||||
| Portability (10%) | |||||
| Features (5%) | |||||
| Specs | Knox Gear 48 Quart | Dometic CFX 50W | Engel Platinum MT35 | Whynter FM-45G | Costway 54 |
| Minimum Temperature Achieved (F) | 52.7ºF with contents 37.8ºF empty |
-8.9ºF | 5.5ºF | -5.8ºF | -8.9ºF |
| Temperature Increase in 36 Hours Unplugged (F) | 11.5ºF | 20.7ºF | 18.9ºF | 21.6ºF | 27.9ºF |
| Power Draw in Watts (cooling) | 46.1 W | 51.8 W | 31.7 W | 65.5 W 35.5 (low) |
50.0 W 38.9 W (eco) |
| Power Draw in Watts (steady) | N/A | 0.8 W | 1.1 W | 0.8 W | 1.0 W |
| Power Draw in Watts (heating) | 39.0 W | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Voltage Use (cooling) | 11.90 V | 13.26 V | 13.85 V | 13.39 V | 13.47 V |
| Amperage Use (cooling) | 3.88 A | 3.89 A | 2.30 A | 4.91 A | 3.72 A |
| Minutes to Cool (according to display) | N/A | 16 min | 52 min | 145 min | 80 min |
| Hours to Cool (measured) | >12 hrs | 5.5 hrs | 16 hrs | 8 hrs | 9.5 hrs |
| Maximum Temperature Achieved (F) | 103.1ºF | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Temperature Accuracy (diff btwn display and actual) | N/A | +/- 3.0ºF | +/- 2.5ºF | +/- 1.6ºF | +/- 3.8ºF |
| Weight | 14.4 lb | 46.4 lb | 47.8 lb | 54.6 lb | 34 lb |
| Claimed Capacity (volume) | 45.4 L 48 quarts |
46 L 48.6 quarts |
32 L 34 quarts |
42.5 L 45 quarts |
51.1 L 54 quarts |
| Measured Capacity (volume) | 41.9 L 44.3 quarts |
54.2 L 51.3 quarts |
27.5 L 29 quarts |
42.4 L 40.1 quarts |
49.1 L 51.8 quarts |
| Capacity (cans) | 57 cans | 86 cans | 38 cans | 58 cans | 72 cans |
| Method of Cooling | Thermoelectric | 12V compressor | 12V compressor | 12V compressor | 12V compressor |
| Advertised Achievable Temperature Range (F) | 40ºF to 130ºF | -8ºF to 50ºF | 0ºF to 50ºF | -8ºF to 50ºF | -4ºF to 50ºF |
| Acceptable Ambient Temperature Range (F) | Not specified | 61ºF to 109ºF (min temp cannot be reached is >90ºF) |
Not specified | 41ºF to 90ºF (max setting if >90ºF) |
50ºF to 109ºF |
| Exterior Dimensions (D x W x H) | 15" x 22" x 16" | 17.9" x 28.5" x 18.5" | 14.25" x 28" x 15.7" | 17.25" x 25" x 20" | 21" x 27.5" x 14" |
| Interior Dimensions (D x W x H) | 12" x 17.75" x 12" | 13.2" x 13.5"/7.25" x 14.2"/6.25" | 15.25" x 10.75" x 10.25" | 11.25" x 11"/7.25" x 15"/7.25" | 10.4" x 12.75"/6.4" x 17.25"/10.6" |
| DC Cord Length (feet) | 4' 10" | 6' 3" | 9' 6.5" | 9' 6" | 7' 9.75" |
| AC Cord Length (feet) | 3' 11" | 6' 3" | 5' 8" | 6' 2" | 6' 4.25" (AC adapter only) 14' 7" (DC and AC adapter) |
| Comes With | AC cord, DC cord (both permanently attached inside lid) | AC cord, DC cord | AC cord, DC cord, extra fuse | AC cord, DC cord | DC cord, DC to AC adapter and cord |
| Features | Cord storage, drain/plug, wheels and pull handle, heating ability | WiFi app, internal light, C/F display, USB port, adjust display brightness, drain/plug, removable adapter collar on DC cord, emergency switch for control panel failure | Removable lid, internal light, C/F display | Displays battery level, drain/plug | Eco power-saving function, internal light |
Show full specification detailsHide full specification details
Our Analysis and Test Results
Performance Comparison
Side-by-side testing of thermoelectric coolers. From left to right: Koolatron, Knox, Igloo.
Temperature Control
Running without ice, as it's designed to run, the Knox doesn't do an amazing job at cooling its contents. During our testing, it only reached about 25º F below ambient. It also didn't reach as high of a temperature as the other thermoelectric coolers we tested did, topping out at about 103º. However, the Knox monitors its own heat, turning off at certain times to avoid internal damage. The Koolatron has to be manually unplugged every 45 minutes, which is rather annoying.
Arrive at the potluck with your dish still piping hot!
Insulation
All three thermoelectric models performed about the same in our insulation testing, though the Knox did come out on the bottom of the pack. However, we think this feels like the best-built of the ones we tested and feels much more sturdy all around. The wheels and handles feel decent, and the lid is thick, with a secure-feeling closure. Even the little fan components on top seem pretty solid.
The Knox has sturdy hinges and feels well-built, aiding in insulation AND longevity.
Energy Consumption
The Knox is one of the most energy-efficient coolers we tested. It draws just 46.1 watts of power while cooling, which is quite a bit less than the monstrous 62.3 W the Koolatron takes (which is more than half the compressor coolers!) It runs off even less power in heat mode, drawing just 39.0 W. If you plan to run this in your car, we think this is an important feature.
This cooler has the most energy efficient normal mode of operation of any we tested.
Ease of Use
Firstly, this is one of the just two thermoelectric coolers we tested to come with both DC and AC cords, and secondly, they're both attached helpfully inside the lid. This serves as both a storage area and an organizational feature. It's also the only thermoelectric cooler we tested that has a drain in the bottom - which is important for being able to easily use ice. The capacity of the Knox is also much smaller than advertised, and fits only 57 cans - the smallest in our review. As for internal organization, the Knox has a single small divider that can fit in just one of two places. Nothing fancy.
A handy compartment in the lid holds both AC and DC cords, as well as the switch between cooling and heating.
Portability
Ding ding ding! We have a winner here, as the only cooler we tested with wheels! Wheels and a long handle to pull it with are excellent features of the Knox. And to boot, it's one of the lightest coolers we tested, at just 14.4 lb. While we love that this cooler comes with both AC and DC cords, unfortunately, both these cords are extremely short, at 4' 10" and 3' 11" respectively. But really, we enjoy the freedom that comes with those wheels.
The Knox is the only cooler we tested with wheels, making it an obvious winner in the portability metric.
Features
Though not as fancy as some of the compressor models, the Knox has a few features that make it a very user-friendly cooler. The heating feature helps keep take-out warm all the way home. The drain in the bottom is clutch for using it with ice. And the cord storage and handy cool/heat switch hidden in the lid are a nice touch. It is a bit noisy to run, though not the noisiest we tested by far. Unfortunately, at the time of writing, Knox doesn't offer a warranty on this item, which could be slightly concerning, depending on your outlook.
A single adjustable divider can be moved to one of two locations.
Value
The Knox is actually among the least expensive coolers we reviewed. Though you'll still need to purchase ice to properly use this cooler, its cooling properties will help to extend the life of that ice and still save money over time. We think that if this cooler is the right fit for your life, then it's a pretty good deal.
For a portable powered cooler that's handy to use, try the Knox!
Conclusion
Though it didn't win any awards this time around, the Knox is a solidly usable powered cooler that adds just a little bit extra to your cooler game. Its cord storage is super handy, the wheels are fantastic, and the price just might be right. If you're okay with still using some ice, but are ready to take it up a notch, the Knox is calling your name.
Keep food chilled or warm with the portable Knox.
— Maggie Brandenburg